April28, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the announcement of new sanctions against Russia:

“Today’s sanctions announcement by the White House is good news. On April 17 in Geneva, Russia’s leaders agreed to deescalate the situation in Ukraine. They haven’t lived up to their commitment. With these new measures, the United States is making it clear to President Putin—along with the people and businesses aligned with him—that their actions have consequences. Russia cannot continue to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“And while these sanctions are a step in the right direction, I believe we need to go further. I call on our European allies and other partners around the world to ramp up their sanctions against Russia as well. It is critical that we collectively rally to the defense of Ukraine.

“At the same time, I urge the Administration and our allies to continue helping the Government of Ukraine deal with the dire economic and security crisis in the country, and to prepare for free and fair elections and constitutional reforms that will return Ukraine to political and economic health. The United States must continue to stand by the people of Ukraine as they seek to build a more democratic, prosperous, and just state and society.”